"I never knew we had American soldiers in South Korea until my son was deployed," said Merry Felk, project founder.

So in March, after her son, Scott Miller Jr., was sent there, Felk did some research on the Internet and learned there are 39,000 soldiers in South Korea. That's 39,000 dads, moms, sisters, brothers, sons and daughters who will not be coming home for Christmas this year.

Growing up with nine brothers and sisters in Royal Oak, Felk knew firsthand the need for sharing.

So in 1998 she started a not-for- profit organization, "Needy Not Greedy," and opened a store in Royal Oak.

"When we opened the store, the homeless started coming in," she said.

Felk knew she was destined to help.

Now, instead of being depressed that her son will not be home for the holidays, Felk decided to collect 39,000 cards to send with gift baskets (see side) to South Korea.

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"I believe a lot are helping Iraq and others," Felk said in an e-mail asking for donation boxes to be set up in workplaces. "So this year it will be South Korea."

For now, Felk is collecting cards and care package items on her porch located at 4219 Michelson St., Lewiston, behind the Albert Township Fire Dept.

But she desperately needs more drop-off sites, and she is willing to pick up items.

The Houghton Lake Middle School is putting up a box, as are her friends from around Michigan.

Felk's philosophy is simple.

"If I have it and they need it, they can have it," she said. "A lot of people think like me and that's a good thing."

Anyone willing to allow Needy Not Greedy to use their location as a drop-off site, contact Felk at 989-786-7398, or cards can be mailed to P.O. Box 919, Lewiston, MI 49756.

FYI: Donation Suggestions

Project Christmas Overseas is in need of the following items to be shipped to South Korea. Items can be dropped off or sent to 4219 Michelson St., Lewiston, MI 49756 by Dec. 5.